Kendall's Brasserie & Bar Restaurant Review

: Another downtown outpost of Joachim Splichal's empire, Kendall's is a convenient place to dine before a performance at the Ahmanson, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion or Walt Disney Concert Hall, especially if you don't have the time or money for neighboring Patina. Besides the hours noted, the restaurant serves dinners on Mondays and lunches on weekends when there is a show scheduled at the Music Center. After the crowds have left for their performances, the scene is transformed from bustling brasserie to quiet bistro. With its semicircular zinc bar, terra cotta tile floors, generous use of wood, white linen-topped tables and oversize Toulouse-Lautrec murals, it's a warm, cozy environment for classic French dishes. Start with charcuterie, escargots, steamed mussels, a tangy calamari casserole, a delightful Alsatian tarte flambée, or go for the traditional soupe à l’oignon gratinée. Follow with braised short rib, a comforting duck confit cassoulet with pork belly and sausage, or château steak with a solidly prepared béarnaise, and finish with a cheese plate, dark chocolate mousse or an apple tart. Executive chef Jean Pierre Bosc (Mimosa, Café des Artistes) has added some menu items informed by his childhood near Lyon including bouillabaisse Marseillaise with clams, mussels, fish, shrimp, rouille and croutons, cod brandade cake and Riviera fish soup. The wine list includes interesting small producers from both France and California, as well as such exotic places as Slovenia, and a few relative bargains, too. Prices for dinner have crept up, just like theater tickets, but the afternoon menu --- think fresh salads, rotisserie chicken, a croque monsieur or burger with frites --- is a winning value. At peak theater hours, the staff can be stretched to its limits, but will always get you out on time if you’re headed to a show. Dog owners will appreciate the Fido-friendly patio.

Kendall's - Now a Food and Great Service Destination!
by judylerne on Sat Jun 14, 2014 10:33 am

Kendall's in the past was mediocre; not any more. With a new French chef and new Parisian general manager, Laura, Kendall's has hit the big time. I've been a regular dining at Kendall's before season ticket performances at all Music Center venues. Now I go for the food, theater or not.

Kendall's has added new and creative entrees to the dinner menu. The signature cocktails are very good. Also try the Floating Island dessert (it sounds strange but is "to die for," as friends of ours have also learned.

And now for weekend patrons, there's a fabulous brunch menu, with lemon ricotta pancakes, short rib hash, numerous egg dishes, fresh made beignets, and more. Many of us have asked for years for a Sunday brunch; now Kendall's has responded.

We recently had a small family graduate school dinner party in a cozy private room, and guests ordered off the menu. At first, no one was excited to go to Kendalls. By the end, every single person (each ordering different items) raved!

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